Eremurus elwesii 'Albus' (Fox Tail) — perennial

Overview

Eremurus elwesii 'Albus' is a perennial in the genus Eremurus, part of the Asphodelaceae family. Eremurus elwesii 'Albus' grows best in full sun, and tolerates well-drained and sandy or loamy soil soils and neutral to alkaline pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include borders, rock gardens and cut flowers. It is native to Central Asia.

About

Eremurus elwesii 'Albus' is a perennial in the Asphodelaceae, commonly called Fox Tail or Lily and valued for use as cut flowers. Native to Central Asia, it flowers in the UK from May to July. It prefers full sun on a south-facing, open site in well-drained sandy or loamy soil with a neutral to alkaline pH and moderate moisture. Rated H5, it is hardy for outdoor planting in the UK and suits borders and rock gardens.

About the genus

Eremurus is a genus of deciduous perennial flowers in the family Asphodelaceae. They are also known as the foxtail lilies or desert candles.

In the garden

Eremurus elwesii 'Albus' belongs to the Asphodelaceae and originates from Central Asia; in the UK it produces its flowering display from May to July and is often grown for cutting. Planting it where it receives full sun on a south-facing, open aspect will give the best conditions for flowering and stem development. Soil must be free-draining and on the sandy or loamy side, with a neutral to alkaline pH and only moderate moisture; avoid sites that retain water. An open exposure reduces the risk of prolonged damp around the root zone and complements the plant's need for good drainage. The H5 hardiness rating indicates it is classed as hardy for outdoor planting in the UK. Use Eremurus elwesii 'Albus' in mixed borders or rock gardens where free-draining conditions can be achieved, and place it where stems can be reached for cutting during the May–July flowering window. Its recommended uses include borders, rock gardens and cut flowers, so choose a site that combines sun, openness and easy access for harvesting during the flowering season.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Eremurus

Sunlight: full sun
Soil type: well-drained, sandy or loamy soil
Soil pH: neutral to alkaline
Soil moisture: moderate, well-drained
Aspect: south-facing
Exposure: open
UK hardiness: H5

Plant details

Eremurus elwesii 'Albus' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: perennial
Suggested uses: borders, rock gardens, cut flowers
Native to: Central Asia

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Eremurus elwesii 'Albus'

Cultivation: Plant in spring or autumn; requires well-drained soil and full sun; avoid waterlogging.
Pruning: Remove spent flower spikes after blooming; cut back foliage in autumn.
Propagation: division of tuberous roots in autumn or seed

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Eremurus elwesii 'Albus'?

Plant in spring or autumn; requires well-drained soil and full sun; avoid waterlogging.

Where is the best place to plant Eremurus elwesii 'Albus'?

Eremurus elwesii 'Albus' prefers full sun. It suits open positions.

What soil does Eremurus elwesii 'Albus' need?

Eremurus elwesii 'Albus' grows best in well-drained and sandy or loamy soil soil. It prefers neutral to alkaline soil. Aim for soil that stays moderate to well-drained.